BOOZEFIGHTERS M/C
Chapter 44
Back in 1946 at the All American Café and Bar, lovingly referred to by its regulars as The Big A, history was made. It started with a group of WWII vets back from the war looking for excitement and camaraderie. It was in this little bar in LA that these motorcycle-racing wild ones decided to band together and form a club. Who knows if they realized then that their passion for bikes, booze, and a good time would evolve into a worldwide brotherhood, a legacy, which is the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club.The founder of the BFMC was a man named William “Wino Willie” Forkner. He got this nickname as a kid back in Fresno, Ca where he grew up. Rumor had it, that from a young age, Willie had an affinity for whatever current vintage he could get his hands on at the local vineyards. After returning from the war Willie, like many other young vets, had a difficult time falling back into the hum-drum routine. They needed something more…and motorcycle racing gave that to them. While Wino Willie was the man that started it all, he can’t be credited with naming the club. Had it been up to him, this brotherhood would be called The Bats….not quite as appealing. The name of this beloved club came from a man who was never actually a member, Walt Porter. A local drunk who also frequented the beloved Big A. One night while Willie and the boys were throwing around names Walt sat up from his drunken stupor and said “Y’all might as well call yourselves the B-B-B-Boozefighters, cause all you do is sit around the bar and fight that booze.” The rest, as they say, is history.The BFMC has been part of American Biker history from the very beginning. They had a major presence at the 1947 Gypsy Tour put on by the American Motorcycle Association in Hollister, CA. Thousands of bikers from all over California and as far away as Florida showed up for the rally. Local business owners welcomed the rally goers with open arms but the streets were soon choked with motorcycles and bikers having a rowdy good time. Jim Cameron, one of the BFMC originals even rode his Indian into Johnny’s bar. While there weren’t any crimes committed, the media had a field day printing horrifying stories of the crazy bikers that were terrorizing the town. The Hollister “riot” became an infamous historical event, and was the springboard for the image of the “American biker”.
Until 1991, there were no Boozefighter chapters in Texas. But thanks to hard work and persistence the first Texas charter, Chapter 39, came into existence. Since then, many more have been created and the great legacy continues to this day. In February 2012, Chapter 150 was started in San Antonio, Texas. The founding members of this chapter strive to continue building on the foundations set by the original Boozefighters: Family, Job, Club. The Boozefighters are the original wild ones and it is a name that is worn with pride.
Today there are thousands of motorcycle clubs out there. They come in all different shapes and sizes. From the weekend warriors to the hard core. To this day the Boozefighters are more than a club. They are a brotherhood, reaching far and wide, with chapters all over the US and also in Canada, Italy, France, Japan, and more. There are many stories to be told about this club and its members, but to truly understand who and what the Boozefighters are, is something that has to be lived and experienced for one's self. This brotherhood that Willie and the boys started so long ago still lives on. Their traditions are sacred and dear to those who are fortunate enough to earn that cherished bottle. We remember and salute our founders.
O*W*O*F Original Wild Ones Forever.
Written by Boozefighter Lonnie "Radar" Kelly
Until 1991, there were no Boozefighter chapters in Texas. But thanks to hard work and persistence the first Texas charter, Chapter 39, came into existence. Since then, many more have been created and the great legacy continues to this day. In February 2012, Chapter 150 was started in San Antonio, Texas. The founding members of this chapter strive to continue building on the foundations set by the original Boozefighters: Family, Job, Club. The Boozefighters are the original wild ones and it is a name that is worn with pride.
Today there are thousands of motorcycle clubs out there. They come in all different shapes and sizes. From the weekend warriors to the hard core. To this day the Boozefighters are more than a club. They are a brotherhood, reaching far and wide, with chapters all over the US and also in Canada, Italy, France, Japan, and more. There are many stories to be told about this club and its members, but to truly understand who and what the Boozefighters are, is something that has to be lived and experienced for one's self. This brotherhood that Willie and the boys started so long ago still lives on. Their traditions are sacred and dear to those who are fortunate enough to earn that cherished bottle. We remember and salute our founders.
O*W*O*F Original Wild Ones Forever.
Written by Boozefighter Lonnie "Radar" Kelly
